Mr. Chairman, in answer to Mr. Bellavance's question, I would first like to say that we go to Geneva as a team. We are mandated to defend supply management, and several of us are in Geneva at any one time. That is an important point.
I will let Mr. Lebeau speak about the more technical aspects, but I would like to point out that Canada voluntarily provided more access to its supply-managed markets during the last rounds of negotiations. That was the directive of the day, although there was no official, written text to that effect. I think that this shows that Canada opted for fair play and cooperation, believing that other countries, in turn, would increase access to their markets.
However, that is not what happened. I think it is important to mention that, as it often gets ignored. The common perception is that we acted out of obligation, when in fact that was in no way the case; it was a voluntary measure. It was a case of Canada and producers of supply-managed products choosing fair play.
In some areas, we ceded more than had been requested. Seven point five per cent and 20% on hatching eggs is a lot more than had been asked.
Obviously, I was in Geneva with several of our colleagues. A lot goes on there. We have the opportunity to talk with people from other countries who were in Geneva to negotiate. This allowed us to realize that, on certain questions, we have some allies. Unfortunately, we also have foes, and there is also disagreement within Canada on this issue.
Like Mr. Fuller, I believe that a balanced position, such as the one we are suggesting, is in the interests of all Canadian farmers. Bear in mind that if all countries were to increase market accessibility by 5%—as the directive proposed—world trade in agricultural products would double. That is not to be sniffed at. That is what we are asking. It is a matter of bringing other countries around to Canada's starting point; then we can negotiate. Think about it: if all countries took the same measure, we would double world trade in agricultural commodities. That is not to be sniffed at.